Just over a year ago, news broke that H.G. Bishop Abanoub – specifically ordained for this task by H.H. Pope Tawadros – had moved to ban the singing of Evangelical “praise and worship” in the prominent St Simon the Tanner parish, Mukattam, Cairo. This came following the courage of H.G. Bishop Suriel who publicly condemned these practices as “very similar to Hillsong worship” in 2011. Anba Abanoub’s decision was also defended by the Secretary of the Coptic Orthodox Holy Synod, H.G. Bishop Raphael. We pray for more decisive action in the Oriental Orthodox Communion throughout the world.

H.G. Bishop Raphael Defends Anba Abanoub

(If anyone is able to translate and hardcode English subtitles into this video – excluding the very last question about atheism – please email us on admin@returntoorthodoxy.com).

H.G. Bishop Suriel Condemns Hillsong-style Worship

International Day of Prayer aired on SAT7 and CTV from St. Simon Coptic Orthodox Church in Moqattam last night was basically a Pentecostal Service led by so-called Coptic Orthodox Priests

This was aired on SAT7 and CTV. I am very disappointed that CTV, a Coptic Orthodox Channel would air this International Day of Prayer that was basically a Pentecostal service led by so-called Coptic Orthodox priests.

For your information, SAT7 is owned and run by Evangelicals and not Orthodox. Please do not misunderstand me, we do believe in ecumenism and pray for the unity of the Christian Church. However, we are Orthodox and not Protestant. What Protestants and Evangelicals do and say in their churches is their right under religious freedom that we all believe in. But when Protestant style worship and teaching is clearly expressed inside of a Coptic Orthodox Church and led by so-called Coptic Orthodox priests in a manner as I saw on Youtube last night then action must be taken. This in my opinion and the opinion of many others that this is totally unacceptable. These clergy should be fully investigated and appropriate action should be taken according to the canons of the Church.

I must say I was in total shock when I saw the Youtube clips and deeply saddened at where this type of movements may lead the Coptic Orthodox Church in the future. I think if this is left to continue we will begin to lose our identity and heritage as Coptic Orthodox Christians. Again I reiterate that I am in no way attacking another Christian denomination but simply stating that what I saw was not Orthodox and should not take place in any Coptic Orthodox Church any where across the globe.

The style of worship portrayed was very similar to Hillsong worship which is a Pentecostal movement. In my opinion these priests leading that service last night are Pentecostals in Orthodox vestments. This is very dangerous for the Coptic Orthodox Church because simple people who do not understand will be misled to think such priests are Orthodox when in reality they are something else.
May the Lord have mercy upon His Church.

I’m not sure why you post stuff about 2011 events in 2015, but that is your decision. But one point in your quote from HG Bishop Suriel made me wonder. May it be that he is not aware of the actual ownership of the SAT7 satellite channel?

This is from theit FAQ:

Who owns SAT-7and who serves on its International Board?

SAT-7 is not owned by any one person, ministry or Church. Instead it is
governed by an International Board of Directors. According to the
ministry’s bylaws, the majority of voting members must always be
Christians from the Middle East and North Africa. So, SAT-7 is
effectively owned by the local Christian community. Current Board
members include the leaders of the Evangelical Church of Lebanon and
Egypt, two Coptic Orthodox Bishops, the Lutheran Bishop of the Holy
Land, an Armenian Archbishop, a Senior Maronite Bishop and other local
church leaders. One seat on the board is also given to an elected
representative of SAT-7’s Partners. Click here to learn more about SAT-7′s International Board.

Therefore the statement that “SAT7 is owned and run by Evangelicals and not Orthodox” is not really accurate.

ReturnToOrthodoxy

Hi Novellus,

Thank you for your comment.

We post all material that is relevant to the site’s stated aim of “upholding
the Orthodox Faith and Orthodox practice to the absolute exclusion of
heterodox influence in the Oriental Orthodox Communion.”

Regarding Sat7, this may have been true at the time. See the decisions of the Coptic Orthodox Holy Synod:”About satellite station Sat-7 in which the Coptic Orthodox Church initially participated:
June
1998 – The Holy Synod decides that Sat 7 satellite station is primarily
Protestant, does not have a clear mission and does not give the Coptic
Orthodox Church the chance to evaluate their material prior to
broadcasting and rejecting to give the Orthodox Church 50% of
broadcasting time, rejecting the stories of saints. The Holy Synod
decides to withdraw from participation in this channel and removing
their office from the bishopric of Shubra al-Kheima.
2001 – Establishment of an Orthodox branch in Sat 7.
2007 – Sat 7 is not allowed to make any recordings in Orthodox churches.
2009
– Forbidding all bishops and priests to participate in a satellite
station that is not under the supervision of the Coptic Orthodox Church.
May 2010 – Any satellite channel that wants to be accepted by the church must accept supervision of the church.”http://www.arabwestreport.info/en/year-2012/week-12/43-ecumenical-relations-coptic-orthodox-church-mentioned-decisions-holy-synod

Anonymous

I would also add that this article is one of the most popular on the site in terms of Facebook likes, so clearly most people disagree with your assessment of its relevance.

Return to Orthodoxy

Upholding the Orthodox Faith and Orthodox practice to the absolute exclusion of heterodox influence in the Oriental Orthodox Communion.